Category: Cannabis/Medical Marijuana

Marijuana has long been known as one of the most popular drug uses. While the pros and cons of utilizing marijuana as a recreational substance remain controversial, it would be more advantageous for not legalizing this drug legal under the law enforcement. To some extent, it could not be denied that legitimatizing marijuana trade is beneficial for taxation purpose. However, marijuana use is harmful to public health physiologically and psychologically, therefore, this indirectly causes degradation in social work efficiency. Besides, the following social consequences resulting from legalizing marijuana use may arise far beyond recognition.

On the one hand, legalizing marijuana trade provides certain economics benefits. According to McKinney (2008), “marijuana legalization could create $132 billion in federal tax revenue and inject over a million jobs into the U.S. labor market by 2025 if it becomes legal nationwide”. It is quite clear that in addition to raising taxation, marijuana legalization could create more job opportunities. Szarflaski and Sirven (2017) suggest that the increased tax revenue from marijuana legalization comes with the decreased enforcement costs. These costs fall into three buckets: establishing an enforcement system, additional expenses incurred by the existing agencies, and changing management (McKinney, 2008). Nonetheless, like other commerce, whether this category of business could gain any benefit depends on how it is administered. In other words, legalizing marijuana trade hardly accompanies with any definite payback. Therefore, the huge amount of profit generated from trading marijuana seems to decline in certain degrees, when the distinction between theory and practice is clearly separated.

On the other hand, it is without doubt that marijuana severely does harm to public health, as Rogeberg (2018) illustrates in his recent work that “no economic or social benefits could justify any reduction in health”. Even though marijuana is not considered the most dangerous drug among the other commonly abused ones, yet it still results in certain negative health effects, on every individual regardless of gender, age or the amount of drug consumed. Those take place bilaterally in both mental and physical conditions. Physiologically, marijuana abuse impairs human’s common abilities, for instance, “important short-term effects of marijuana use on psychomotor performance and cognition that could lead to more on-the-job accidents, including impairments in memory function, information processing, hand-eye coordination, and reaction times’ (Anderson, Rees & Tekin, 2018). In terms of psychological effects, consuming a proper amount of marijuana gradually leads to the deterioration of “short-term memory, artificial euphoria, calmness, or (in high dose) anxiety or paranoia”, as shown in recent research (Stimson, 2010). Concerning pregnant women, “there have been several studies reporting adverse fetal outcomes with marijuana use, including lower birthweight babies” (Chabarria, Racusin, Antony, Kahr, Suter, Mastrobattista & Aagaard, 2016). Regarding adolescents, those who are accessible to early marijuana use may deliver lower school performance as this drug abuse causes degradation in short-term memory and reduction in motivation (Estoup & Moise-Campbell & Varma & Stewart, 2016). In addition, youngsters hardly consider marijuana use risky, therefore, when connecting to drug relapse rates, it would be a difficulty maintaining sobriety (Hopfer, 2014). Furthermore, the scenario of marijuana legalization on a state scale, or even global scale does highlight the issue of declined work efficiency since public health is severely damaged. Adults’ health, in other words, the main labour source, would undoubtedly face risk. Although remaining sober during work hours, certain jobs such as police officers, airline pilots, and machine operators if consume marijuana regularly may deal with longterm cognitive deficiency, which directly leads to sapping productivity, therefore, placing countless people in danger (Stimson, 2010). Marijuana use also leads to educational underachievement, cognitive impairment, reduced life satisfaction, along with chronic bronchitis, risk of psychosis disorder, and addiction (Volkow, Compton & Weiss, 2014).

Another factor regarding marijuana legalization’s negative impacts is that the ensuing social consequences outweigh those of economics benefits, in other words, “one possible explanation of this is that individuals focus on the immediate beneficial consequences of marijuana use while disregarding or discounting the future harmful consequences” (Lewis, Litt, King, Garcia, Waldron & Lee, 2018). In fact, “legal marijuana in North America was estimated to be a nearly $10 billion industry in 2017” (McKinney, 2018), however, it is doubtful whether this huge amount of money could counterbalance those negative outcomes of public health, increasing demand for other more hazardous substances, higher percentage of drug-related criminals, escalating violence, and juvenile delinquency. Law enforcement is only applied for marijuana use, as it is called “marijuana legalization”. Marijuana is also recognized as the gateway drug to other more addictive ones, therefore, harsh governmental policies hardly impose any efficiency on the others. Stimson (2010) suggests that “the vast majority of defendants arrested for violent crimes test positive for other illegal drugs, including marijuana”. For crime rates, though in fact legalizing marijuana use does reduce the number of criminals concerning drug dealing and drug using, the crimes resulted from aggressive behavior, theft and violence are predicted to increase, reversely. “A 200 percent increase in robberies, a 52.2 percent increase in burglaries, a 57.1 percent increase in aggravated assault, and a 130.8 percent increase in burglaries from automobiles as shown in police report” (Stimson, 2010). There is also a high chance for escalating tension associating with contradictory policies towards marijuana legalization within a nation’s boundary, for example, several states of America have legalized marijuana use while the others still maintain considering this drug illegal. Regarding juvenile delinquency, since marijuana use is publicly legalized, there is no doubt that young people would consume it. According to Oetzel & Duran (2004), “adolescents are experiencing interpersonal, health, and disciplinary consequences, resulting in increased juvenile delinquency, dropout rates, interpersonal, and health problems”. Moreover, even if law enforcement imposes either a limit or other controls towards the individual safe amount of marijuana consumed, specifically on youngsters, these deterrence effects would gradually disappear as children are born and nurtured, then growing up in a marijuana legalized society.

All in all, everything goes with its advantages as well as disadvantages, and so does marijuana legalization. Although marijuana commerce could raise tax revenue and create more jobs, however, this may require a complex procedure to be verified thoroughly on a nationwide scale. Furthermore, the following negative consequences of public health and social life resulted from legalizing marijuana use could outburst inconceivably in the long run, as Stimson (2010) has suggested that “legalizing this drug use would serve little purpose other than to worsen the state’s drug problems – addiction, violence, disorder, and death”. Therefore, marijuana legalization should be put under harsh control, in some cases, completely prohibited.

Reference List

1. Anderson, D., Rees, D., Tekin, E. (2018). Medical marijuana laws and workplace fatalities in the United States. International Journal of Drug Policy, 60, 33-39. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0955395918301968
2. Chabarria, K., Racusin, D., Antony, K., Kahr, M., Suter, M., Mastrobattista, J., Aagaard, K. (2016). Marijuana use and its effects in pregnancy. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 215 (4), 506.e1 – 506.e7. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002937816302629
3. Estoup, A.C.; Moise-Campbell, C.;Varma, M. & Stewart, D.G. (2016). The impact of marijuana legalization on adolescent use, consequences, and perceived risk. Substance Use & Misuse, 51(14), 1881-1887.
4. Hopfer, C. (2014). Implications of marijuana legalization for adolescent substance use. Substance abuse, 35(4), 331-335.
5. Lewis, M., Litt, D., King, K., Garcia, T., Waldron, K., Lee, C. (2018). Consideration of future consequences as a moderator of the willingness-behavior relationship for young adult marijuana use and consequences. Addictive Behaviors, 87, 8-16.
6. McKinney, L. (2018). The economics of marijuana legalization. Capitol Ideas, 29-31.
7. Mejia, D., Restrepo, P. (2016). The economics of the war on illegal drug production and trafficking. Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, 126, 255-275.
8. Oetzel, J. & Duran, B. (2004). Intimate partner violence in American Indian and/or Alaska Native communities: A social ecological framework of determinants and interventions. American Indian and Alaska Native Mental Health Research, 11(3), 49-68.
9. Rogeberg, O. (2018). Prohibition, regulation or laissez faire: The policy trade-offs of cannabis policy. International Journal of Drug Policy, 56, 153-161.
10. Stimson, C.D. (2010). Legalizing marijuana: Why citizens should just say no. Studying Skills and Academic Writing, 13, 169-167.
11. Szaflarski, M., Sirven, J. (2017). Social factors in marijuana use for medical and recreational purposes. Epilepsy & Behavior, 70, 280-287. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1525505016306187
12. Volkow, N., Compton, W., Weiss, S. (2014). Adverse health effects of marijuana use. The New England Journal of Medicine, 371 (4), 879.

As of this moment, 21 states or territories have either fully or partially legalized cannabis. Uruguay became the first nation to fully, recreationally legalize it in 2013, with numerous states following suit, most notably Canada in autumn 2018. The approach towards cannabis differs greatly from nation to nation, and sometimes even within nations, as in the U.S. and India. While many countries opt for decriminalizing cannabis but keeping it illegal, others legalize medical use, or even increasingly, recreational use. And yet, in several Asian and Middle Eastern countries possession of even the smallest amount can lead to severe punishments. The approach in India and the U.S. is complicated – while cannabis is still illegal at the federal level, numerous states have legalized it. In the U.S. ten states and the District of Colombia currently allow legal possession and consumption of recreational marijuana while 33 have legalized cannabis for medical purposes. On the federal level though, cannabis is classified as a “Schedule I” drug after the Controlled Substance Act of 1971, with “no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse”. Cannabis is considered as harmful and dangerous as Heroin, while drugs such as Cocaine or Opium are classified as Schedule II drugs. Hence, with all the controversy surrounding the topic, it might be time to reassess our understanding.

A different approach to scheduling drugs was laid out by David J Nutt et al through a multicriteria decision analysis. Instead of the three criteria the DEA uses to classify drugs, the Independent Scientific Committee on Drugs scored drugs according to sixteen criteria, nine of these referring to harms to the individual and seven referring to harm caused to others. The drugs were then scored out of 100 and weighted to indicate their importance. The findings of this research were shocking – out of twenty drugs, by far the most harmful is alcohol, scoring 72 out of 100 points with heroin and crack cocaine scoring 55 and 54 respectively. According to this study, also cannabis isn’t harmless, but at 20 points it is a far stretch from other legal drugs such as alcohol and tobacco, at 26 points. There is no correlation between the findings of the research and present classifications by law, so the negative stigma surrounding cannabis is quite comprehensible.

When assessing if cannabis should be legalized (either medically or recreationally) there are many different aspects to be included, ranging from the economic effects in terms of taxes and employment, the eradication of the black market or the creation of new market opportunities to the health effects legalization could have on individuals or society as a whole. In order to narrow the scope, we limited our research to the understanding of the positive and negative consumption externalities associated with cannabis, concentrating on mental health as the prime positive externality and the economics of smoking as well as the aforementioned study by David J Nutt et al as the prime negative externalities.

Economic Aspects

We have decided to focus on the positive and negative externalities that are implied by the consumption of cannabis. For the purpose of narrowing down the scope of this paper, we are assuming that there are no production externalities.

A negative consumption externality arises when an individual’s consumption of a good reduces the well-being of others, who are however not compensated by the individual. On the contrary, a positive consumption externality is associated with an individual’s consumption increasing the well-being of others, but the individual is not compensated by those others .

Figure 1 shows the impact of a positive consumption externality on the supply and demand curves in the market of a particular good. The supply is equal to the private marginal cost, PMC, which is the direct cost to producers of producing an additional unit of a good as well as the social marginal cost, SMC. This in turn is equal to the PMC plus any costs associated with the production of the good that are imposed on others. Since we assumed there to be no production externalities (and therefore no costs), the PMC is equal to the SMC.

The demand is equal to the private marginal benefit (PMB), however the social marginal benefit (SMB) of consuming a unit of the good is higher, since it is the PMB plus any benefits associated with the consumption of the good that are imposed on others. The PMB describes the direct benefit to consumers of consuming an additional unit of a good.

In this case, there is an under-consumption of the good, since for every unit between Q1 and Q2 the social marginal benefit exceeds the social marginal cost.

Figure 2 shows the case of a negative consumption externality. As before, the supply side is fixed with PMC=SMC. The SMB however now equals the PMB minus the marginal damage (MD) that is done to others by the consumption of a unit of the good. In this case, there is an overconsumption of the good, since the SMC exceed the SMB for every unit of good between Q2 and Q1, resulting in a deadweight loss.

In both cases welfare loss occurs, as the current consumption level is different from the social-welfare maximizing level where the social marginal cost equals the social marginal benefit.

In this report, we assumed smoking of cannabis to be associated with negative externalities and the improvement of the mental health of consumers with positive ones. Hereby we encountered difficulties linking the latter with the model of positive consumption externalities, since we found it to be too subjective for being able to put in relation with a specific market. Instead, we thought of individuals not suffering from depression or anxiety, or at least being able to cope with it, as more productive workers who are less likely to take sick days, and generally, more pleasant and social people who take part in the community.

Also one should note that the assumption that there are no externalities due to production would not hold in reality.

Literature Review on Effects of Legalizing Cannabis on Mental Health

As mentioned before, we assumed cannabis to help improving the mental health of consumers. Over the course of our research we discovered however, that there are mixed results as to whether this may actually be the case.

The IZA (Forschungsinstitut zur Zukunft der Arbeit) discussion paper by D. Anderson et al. (2012) „High on Life?“ focusses on the relationship between the legalization of medical marijuana and suicides. By using state-level data from the United States for the period 1190 through 2007, they were able to find an association between passing the medical marijuana law and a 5 percent decrease in total suicides. For males between 20 and 29, the decrease was about twice that high, at 11 percent. The authors linked these results to the possibility of marijuana helping to cope with depression and other mood disorders, as well as negative “shocks to happiness” which often lead to suicide. This coincides with our own assumptions; however the authors focus on medical marijuana and cite self-medication as a possible disruptive factor to the study.

The study of Annette Beautrais (1999) compared the cases of 302 individuals making medically serious suicide attempts with 1028 randomly selected control subjects to try and find a relation between cannabis abuse and the risk of suicide. While she did find one, she acknowledged the fact that most of the positive correlation was due to the “disadvantaged socio-demographic and childhood backgrounds” most of the subjects are likely to use cannabis are from.

More recently, Troup et al. (2016) focused on the relationship between cannabis use and symptoms of depression and anxiety in college students. For this purpose, the authors used a questionnaire to screen 178 undergraduates in post-legalization Colorado for pre-depressive and pre-anxiety symptoms, as well as their respective cannabis use. They then sorted them into 8 distinct groups according to their scores on the questionnaires: Depressed users, non-depressed users, anxious users and non-anxious users, depressed non-users, non-depressed non-users, anxious non-users and non-anxious non-users. While the authors did find a negative correlation between cannabis use and pre-depressive symptoms compared to the non-user group, they did not find such relationship with anxiety. Interestingly, contrasting previous literature indicating that more frequent use leads to greater deficits in mood , this study suggests that casual users (less than once a week) scored higher on the scale for depression compared to both frequent users (once a week or more) and non-users .

A different approach has been taken by Bambico et al. (2009), who conducted animal studies to examine the potential of cannabinoids in the treatment of mood disorders. The authors observed that cannabinoids can increase serotonin transmission and therefore may serve as an alternative to the classical anti-depressant medication.

Overall, the literature on the effects of marijuana proved to be ambiguous and fragmentary, leaving no clear picture if mental health could be improved and therefore justify as a positive externality.

Throughout time, our country has had many pollutants in our soil throughout time. Some are natural, but as we look closer to the industrial revolution, many are man-made. As this began, we realized many plants were not surviving near rivers and streams that were highly polluted, they also did not survive well near mines, because of the high amount of metals, or what other things were being mined (Denchak, 2019). Due to all of these pollutants, there is a lot of interest in how to reduce the amount of these pollutants in the soil, water, and air. For my focus, we will be focusing on ways to remove pollutants from soil, and we will be using common pollutants. We will be particularly focusing on a plant known for being able to remove some pollutants from the soil. We will be focusing on the plant known as hemp (Cannabis sativa L.), which is not marijuana. We will be focusing on the effects of three main heavy metal pollutants found in soil which are arsenic, copper, and zinc. Hemp is known to be able to absorb some amount, so I will be testing 3 different amounts, none, a little bit, and then a lot of the metal. I will be observing how different amounts of the metal will affect the plant growth (height, grow time, root length and width, number of branches). In addition, I will also potentially measure the soil composition once the experiment is over to see how much metal has been absorbed by the hemp plants.

In Penn State’s Extension, I found some background on how hemp works, and the many uses of the plant as well. Hemp has been found as one of few plants who can survive in heavily polluted soils (Linger et al., 2001). There have been quite a few studies on how plants use phytoremediation to help clean soil and waters, and hemp is one of the few plants that has been used successfully in these studies. In a study completed at University of Florence in Italy, there was an experiment completed on uptake of cadmium, lead, and thallium. The experiment showed that growth was slightly stunted but the plants still grew just fine (Candilo et al., 2004). The presence of hemp in all experiments, not just for the one done in Florence, greatly decreased the heavy metal content greatly and the plant absorbed the metals in its leaves and stems (Linger et al., 2001; Candilo et al., 2004; Husain et al., 2019; Dizikes, 2010).

It is also important to note that hemp is used in a variety of industries: medicine, retail uses, etc. (Etter, 2019). Hemp is used medicinally when the CBD or cannabidiol is extracted from the plant and given orally or absorbed through the skin. It can help with inflammation, seizures, anxiety, and insomnia (Grinspoon, 2019). These are the main scientifically proven treatments that do work. It mainly is used medicinally for chronic pain, but, there are some side effects. They are not bad, but they can be annoying to some. Retail use is the main and most common use for hemp. Each part of the plant has different industrial uses, the fibers, leaves, oil, and seeds. The fibers are used for clothing, shoes, paper; leaves for mulch and compost; oil for well, oil, beauty products, and moisturizer; and seeds are used for flour and seed cake (Harper et al., 2020). However, there is a downside to the phytoremediation of hemp. The metals, pesticides, and other pollutants that are absorbed by the hemp plant, can produce contaminated products (Etter, 2019). The pollutants that get condensed into the oil and the seeds that are harvested, can contain condensed amounts of pollutants which can be toxic when ingested (Etter, 2019).

While there hasn’t been much research done on hemp and phytoremediation, as it is still a new idea and new research topic, what has been found is that hemp is a plant that is very good at removing contaminants from soil and water (Linger et al., 2001; Candilo et al., 2004; Husain et al., 2019). There have been other studies and articles showing that plants can purify water (Dizikes, 2010; Stone, 2019; Linger et al., 2001; Candilo et al., 2004; Husain et al., 2019). There hasn’t been a lot of research conducted on how larger or smaller amounts of pollutants affect plant growth. With a study conducted on this, researchers and scientists may be able to decide how close they can place these plants to a contaminated area without killing it and absorbing the maximum amount of the pollutant.

Hemp plants can are usually diploid plants, which means they are single sex, but sometimes they can be hermaphroditic. Hemp plants come from the Cannabinaceae family, which is separated into 11 different genera, with cannabis, humulus, and celtis being the most commonly known. Within the genus cannabis there are hundreds of subspecies, the main three subspecies being Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis (Halawa, 2018). Cannabis sativa is the more socially potent version of the three as it gives a head high and is more used recreationally. Cannabis indica gives more of a body high and can soothe aches and pains. Cannabis ruderalis does not have a high THC content, but it has a higher CBD content typically, so it is more used medicinally rather than to get high (‘Understanding Cannabis’, 2019). Humulus is more commonly known as hops, found in beer. Growing these plants is fairly similar for sativa and indica strains as they both grow indoors, but sativa takes longer to flower and grow. Ruderalis flowers on an internal timer, regardless of season they will always flower when they are ready. Hemp comes from the Cannabis genus, and is known scientifically as Cannabis Sativa L. The growing conditions for these plants are all fairly similar as they need specific conditions, water, etc.

In our suggestion to examine this plant and the relationship between heavy metal pollutants and plant growth, my team and I plan to gain a better understanding of plant biology, and to be more specific, the way hemp plants absorb the heavy metals without it killing them. While completing our research, our focus will be on familiarizing ourselves with the scientific method as well as gain personal experience with how the method works. In our study, we will be focusing primarily on how much of heavy metals hemp plants can absorb without dying. This is a topic of interest because our planet is becoming so polluted and our soil, groundwater, and surface water are all becoming affected with different pollutants running through them. By studying how much pollutant these plants can absorb, researchers may be able to plant them in heavily contaminated areas to help absorb the chemicals so other plants can grow there.

Based on our publication and article review and concerns surrounding soil and groundwater pollution, our hypothesis statement is the following: If certain plants are able to absorb pollutants in soil and we plant hemp in soils with varying concentrations of heavy metals such as zinc, copper, and arsenic then we should observe that the overall growth (eg. height, growth time, etc) of the hemp plant will not be affected. We will measure the plants characteristics (eg. height, grow time, root length/width, and number of branches) in the hemp plants and we will be observing how they will be possibly responding to the heavy metal amount placed in the soil. By simulating the heavy metals, arsenic, copper, and zinc, in different concentrations in our soil: no metal, low metal, and high metal amounts, we believe we will be able to create a highly useful study that will allow conclusions to be drawn about our explanatory variables.

Smoking cannabis might just be the best way to get a great high without all the crazy addiction. However, if you’ve been smoking regularly, it might be a good time to let you know that those receptors in your brain that react to the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in cannabis. The THC is the compound in cannabis that gets you high. The cannabinoid receptors that respond to the THC to give you that premium high have probably gotten pretty used to the compound floating around your system. To make up for its effects, these receptors have built up pretty strong defences for themselves because if this is the way it is all the time, best to be prepared for it, yeah?

Except that’s not what you want. You want that fantastic high you used to get back when you just started puffing. Or maybe you want to pass a medical test for an interview or school. Or you want to take a trip to a place that’s not exactly cannabis-friendly. There are several reasons why you might want to take a cannabis tolerance break. Whatever your goal is, you’ll probably be doing your CB1 receptors a favor. So, how do you have a cannabis tolerance break?

How to take a tolerance holiday

Step #1: Set up your dates

The first thing you should do is set up your dates. You need two dates, your starting date, and your stop date. If you’re serious about taking a cannabis tolerance break, you need to plan to stay off the blunt for at least two weeks. It takes about a month for the THC to completely clear out of your body. To give your CB1 receptors a minimum amount of time to rest, you need to take a T-break for at least two weeks. Some people start on New Year’s Day or during the Lent period. If this is your first tolerance break, then start small with two weeks.

Step #2: Throw out all your weed

This might sound a little harsh, but it’s essential. Anything you do consistently, day after day, for months and years will have become a part of your routine, and you might find yourself feeling a bit odd if you don’t have it. Craving cannabis during T-breaks isn’t unusual. Just because it doesn’t have addictive compounds doesn’t take away your very human ability to form habits and routines. So, eliminate the threat. Toss it. Give it to someone to hide away for you. You’ll get it back in a month.

Step #3: Let your friends and family know

There’s almost nothing better than smoking with some close friends. But, if you’re going to abstain marijuana for a while, you need to let your friends know. If you keep it to yourself and allow yourself to be around them while they’re getting blitzed, unless you’ve got epic self-control, you’re going to take a drag. Even if you don’t, there’s the secondhand smoke to worry about. Your CB1 receptors won’t know the difference, and all your hard work up till that point will be in vain. There’s nothing worse than being high and guilty at the same time. That’s a trip no one wants to go on.

Step #4: Get healthier

A cannabis tolerance break is a great chance to start a new diet or start working out a bit. Exercising will help get the THC out of your system faster, and you’ll be toning up quite a bit. Add that to a good diet and lots of water, and you might even have a new look as well as a new high.

Step #5: Find hobbies or replacements

You might have to find some new hobbies that occupy your hands. People who’ve smoked for a long time and stopped suddenly might need something to occupy their hands so that they don’t automatically go up to their mouths. Learn a new skill, do some housework, find a new hobby, take a vacation, whatever. Do whatever you can to distract yourself from your cravings.

Step #6: Wait

The last step is to wait. This isn’t going to be a comfortable period, but you will get through it.

While you are going through this period, there are a few tips to keep in mind.

1. Go slow: Breaking a habit that’s been going on for years is hard. Quitting cold turkey is just not possible for some possible. The withdrawal symptoms from cannabis won’t be as bad as symptoms from cocaine or heroin, but as we’ve said before, you’re going to have cravings. There won’t be any pain, but you’re going to be thinking about lighting up and taking a drag anytime you aren’t occupied. For those with harsher cravings, it might be better to wean yourself off of it slowly. If you smoked four blunts a day, cut it down to three. Then, after a week, take it down to two and so on. There are benefits to taking less THC as well. You’ll still be taking a break, just not all at once. It’ll take more time this way, but it’ll be way more comfortable.
2. Ready Yourself: This could go hand in hand with taking it slow for some people, but not all. For some, getting ready means mental or emotional preparation. Some people take cannabis tolerance breaks once a year, some, every six months. It depends on the person, but first-timers have to be intentional about mentally preparing themselves and realizing how hard it is.
3. Do It For Yourself: The most crucial tip on taking a tolerance break is finding the reason you’re doing it. If you’re doing it because your friends are doing it, you may not have the right motivation to push through the worst of the cravings. To give you the right idea, here are a few reasons you might want to consider going on a cannabis tolerance break.

   To give your CB1 receptors time to gain less resistance and get your best high possible.

   To save money.

   To pass a drug test or interview.

4. Do It With Your Friends: Taking a T-break is way more fun with other people. If you smoke, chances are you have friends that are smokers as well. It’ll be easier to stick to your goal if you have people to help keep you accountable.
5. CBD Can Help: We’ve been talking about tetrahydrocannabinol, but there are a hundred and thirteen cannabinoids identified in cannabis. One of them is cannabidiol. There’s to research show that cannabidiol can negate the psychoactive components of THC. This means that the cannabidiol works to block the ability of THC to interfere with normal brain function and cause symptoms of intoxication like drowsiness, hunger, all that good stuff. You can use cannabidiol to help you with your tolerance holiday. You can buy cannabidiol as an oil, tincture, creams, capsules, pills, edibles, etc.

How Long is a Cannabis Tolerance Break?

The general rule of thumb is two weeks to a month. This timeframe gives your body enough time to flush out all the THC and adjust to a cannabis-free environment. But, this timeframe is different for everyone. Some feel completely normal in a week, and some need even longer than a month. Listening to your body is the only way to find what works for you.

Conclusion

To continue to enjoy an excellent buzz, a tolerance break might just be what’s recommended. Our bodies are super adaptive, and nothing stays the same. Take a tolerance break and rediscover the joys of getting utterly bouldered.

Marijuana plant is found everywhere in Bhutan. Though, Bhutan being religious country trading of this drug in southern belt is still going with full swing. This plant was not a drug in olden days but it was also considered as an herbal medicine, likely starting in Asia around 500 BC. Cannabis in Bhutan is illegal but grows pontifically in country and has a multiple traditional uses, such as feeding pigs, producing textiles as per UNODC: south Asia regional profile. Growing this plant in Bhutan is punishable with three to five years imprisonment. Though, government are trying to burn down the cannabis plant, it still grows with full speed and people need not have to cultivate it but it naturally grows close to one’s house. Bhutan government did not considered drug trafficking as a serious problem and also during 1970s cannabis plant was not considered as a drug by government. First case of cannabis related was in 1989 where man was arrested for smoking. According to Dr. Rinchen Chopel, acting as a Bhutan’s joint director of healthcare stated that government priority was to start burning the cannabis plant and to offer counseling for young people to discourage them from smoking it. In 2014, the Bhutan narcotics control arranged a mass eradication campaign with student, official and police personnel involved. Students and young children are often included in these eradication programmers’, to encourage them not to consume cannabis in future as per the Maurice Veldman. As of now cannabis had become most trading product in southern belt though it is an illegal thing. Nevertheless, Bhutanese people especially youth are still consuming it which might spoil their life. Legalizing of this cannabis plant in Bhutan is more of disadvantage thing because it might let to addiction, mental illness and violence among people, especially youth.

The reason behind not legalizing the trade of cannabis plant in Bhutan is because of addiction. Using of cannabis plant will lead to development of problem use, known as a cannabis use disorder, which takes the form of addiction in severe cases as per the NIDA. Risk of marijuana addiction cannot be solved until it is not clearly burn down from our place. According to the national institute on drug abuse (NIDA), marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in United States. If it is legalized to trade in southern belt it would give some advantages to people but more of a disadvantage though. The southern belt is trading the cannabis plant in the current scenario though it is an illegal thing. Cannabis plant addiction is diagnosed as having negative impact on human life and it is same as developing psychological dependence on marijuana in the same way of other addiction. Addiction to marijuana consumption will lead to legal complication, falling to attain schools and institution if it is students and having problem at work. According to KC winter, people who begin using marijuana before age 18 are four to seven times more likely than adults to develop a marijuana use disorder. Likewise trading of this drug should not be legalized in Bhutan because if it is legalize, southern belt people will surely produce a huge amount without knowing its bad effects and will make the youth more addicted towards this plant which would make their life so mess.

More than 4 million American are reported to have a dependence on marijuana and it is most commonly abused substance. So legalizing the marijuana plant at southern belt of Bhutan is placing human health at risk. Addiction causes many problems where it weakens the people’s health drastically. In country known for it is development philosophy of gross national happiness, which places the well-being of people above gross domestic product, the substance use pandemic has become a glaring issue as per the Sonam Wangmo, a journalist of Bhutan. Cannabis plant that is also a drug is a growing concern in Bhutan where many college students and school student are being addicted to it. In year 2017 because of cannabis plant around 600 youth were arrested as they abused that drug. Around 10% of them are youth age group of 13 to 17 where Bhutan has currently highest proportion of adolescent using drug as per the WHO, Southeast Asia region. If person is addicted to cannabis plant there are certain symptoms like felling irritated, cravings, be restless, mood swings and sleep problems which will eventually make your health weak. And addiction can also lead to a dangerous disease like cancer, heart disease and so on.

Mental illness is another reason that discourages the trade of cannabis plant in southern belt of Bhutan. Not only in southern belt but also it should not be legalize in whole Bhutan because effect of cannabis is so strong that it could cause to hallucinations, changes in mood, amnesia, depersonalization and lot more. Constant marijuana consumers are more likely to associate with risk of anxiety, depression and suicide. People that use marijuana are accounted for high level of depression compare to those who do not use it. Moreover the researchers had proved that marijuana consumption has determined effect on the brain, body and mind. When someone is more into marijuana consumption, they may experience the temporary hallucination; illusion of image and place may seem real even if it is not as per pyramids health care, 2017 June 5.Therefore legalizing the trade of cannabis plant in southern belt of Bhutan will drag adolescent into risk of anxiety, depression and even suicide. Cannabis consumption is known to cause immediate residual and long term changes in brain activity that can affect appetite and food intake, sleep pattern, executive function and emotional behavior as per the Yuette Brazier, march 1, 2016.Therefore a 2014 review of the existing research concluded that using cannabis placed an individual at moderate risk of developing depression and anxiety as per Peter Gates.

Moreover they found that there is significant association among marijuana consumption, onset of depression and anxiety disorder. There are population of about 800000 people in Bhutan and ranked in the top third of countries by suicide rate globally as per the WHO, world health organization. And about 10 percent of those ages between 13 and 17 are using marijuana which leads to addiction and addiction leads to mental illness and then depression which force them to do suicide. There is a reason why Bhutanese should not legalized the trading of marijuana since it would also kill a person if consumed more. A 70 years old man died of heart attack because of consuming around 70 mg of THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis’s. Friend had suggested him that it could help him sleep and also it ease pain for osteoarthritis as per the Kashmir Gander. She also stated that worldwide cannabis is a popular drug among the teenagers and mental illness is also more among youth.32 years old man is also dead because of the cannabis. He smoked a marijuana for as hour and after that he felt helplessness and wanted to suicide by falling from building which indicates that marijuana can cause to mental health which makes that particular person so depressed and wanted to die without thinking anything. Legalizing this drug would not be recommended in southern belt since in southern belt the marijuana plant is already trading without getting any approval from government and youth are all very much interested in it. So legalizing the trade of this drug means welcoming the death.

Another reason could be because of domestic violence especially among youth. Consistent use of marijuana during adolescence was most predictive of inmate partner violence and consistent marijuana use was related to an increased risk of intimate partner violence perpetration (2012). A 2012 paper in the journal examining a federal survey of more than 9000 adolescent found that marijuana use was associated with a doubling of domestic violence in the USA .A 2017 paper in the journal social psychiatry and psychiatric epidemiology, examining drivers of violence among 6000 British and Chinese men, found that drug use was linked to a fivefold in violence, and the drug used was nearly always cannabis (2019). According to recent research, persistent use of cannabis may cause violent behavior as result of change in brain function due to smoking weed over many years. Moreover, the one who are involved in committing crime or violence are one who are open in using marijuana.so,in Bhutan statistics show marijuana consumption as the most widely used drug with about 46 percent leading to domestic violence, it include theft, harassment and vehicular offences. Therefore, legalizing trade of marijuana plant in southern belt of Bhutan will increase domestic violence cases because of availability of marijuana plant being in broader. Because of this drug the future of the youth will be spoiled if the trading is legalized especially in boarder side like Samdrup Jongkhar.

Due to marijuana there is also a risk of aggressive outburst among them which may also cause in killing each other. Currently the Bhutan is facing drugs, gang fights and many violence acts among youth who are abusing marijuana plant. Psychologist today says that using of marijuana constantly makes the persons behavior so violent, since there is changes in brain function as they use weed for a many years. The crimes are increasing rapidly in Bhutan because of the drug abuse. As per the RBP (royal Bhutan police), in 2013 they have recorded 2925 cases where 1243 was in 1986.until 2008 the cases had remained stable with average of 1672 crimes per year. But then there was a sudden rise in reported case in beginning of 2009 reaching the high record of crime about 3500 cases in 2010. The cases of crimes which is cause by violence is more in winter because all the students get holiday in winter where they go searching for cannabis plant and then consume it and then start creating violence among each parties or gang. Trading of cannabis plant should not be legalized since in future it would lead to increase in crime cases and once the trade is legalized it will become hard for the government to control the violence act in country especially in southern belt of Bhutan since the main boarder for trading this drug is in southern belt.

So lastly to conclude, marijuana plant was a medicine in olden days but later on it turned out to be a dangerous drug where most of the people started to trade it illigally.This plant grows everywhere where people need not have to plant it. It had gave so many problems in society though it was not legalized, so legalizing this plant would be very risky in this small country especially in southern belt since the boundary is there in southern itself. Firstly legalizing of this plant would make youth more addictive towards it where it weakens their health and make them fail to attain schools, colleges and offices if that person is working. Addiction also makes the person do many criminal works and eventually get caught by police .secondly the cannabis plant cause to mental illness where person will be mentally instable, where they will be so much addicted in to marijuana plant and will do something terrible like trying to kill themselves, harm others without any reasons and also they will suffer from depression and hallucinations. Thirdly the consumption of this drug will make the person very aggressive where they will create many problems in society.

The domestic violence comes from the person who is very much addicted to drug. Bhutan had limited cases of drug abuse during olden days but as the day passes by, the cases of this marijuana consumption went on increasing though production of this plant is not legalized. The legalizing of this drug in Bhutan especially in southern belt is not a good idea since everyone knows that for the better future of our country youth need to be takencare.Since cases of the marijuana assumption is more among youth , it should not be legalized the trading of marijuana plant. Though Legalizing of this drug would make huge profit or though it would help the government in development and economics of the country moreover this will spoil or destroy the future of the youth .There will be many youth consuming this drug and doing domestic violence which is also not good for the society. The country will not be a safe place to live in since everyone could be so much into this marijuana drug and then they will start harming each other. There are several reasons where trading of marijuana plant should not be legalized in southern belt of Bhutan.

Introduction

What is CBD? Where is it found? Is it safe? CBD is short for Cannabidiol. This is a compound found in marijuana. It is the non psychoactive part of marijuana and does not have any effect on the consciousness levels of the user unlike its counterpart found in marijuana which is THC or tetrahydrocannabinol. In relatively monitored doses, CBD is said to be safe and most of its health benefits are for Seniors. THC is responsible for the “getting high” feeling associated with marijuana and not CBD.

Unlike other ways of taking marijuana like smoking, CBD comes in the forms of oils, gels, creams, edible forms etc. Also the side effects associated with marijuana smoking are not attributed to CBD.

Health benefits of CBD for Seniors

GLAUCOMA TREATMENT

Glaucoma is a disease which affects people in the age group of 40-80 and its prevalence rate is 3.54%. It is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. Hence, the treatment is necessary. The pressure inside the eye increases in the eye in this disease known as intraocular pressure which affects the eyesight and even causes blindness. Cannabis is known to help reduce this intraocular pressure thereby, helping people to recover from glaucoma. Evidence suggests upto 25% recovery in glaucoma due to CBD and its effects on reducing intraocular pressure.

Sleep issues

One of the most troublesome issues as we get older, is getting a peaceful sleep. Many elders struggle with sleep and this can lead to many neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimers and Parkinson’s to name a few. A good night’s sleep has more importance than most people can imagine. CBD has one of its benefits in replacing sleeping pills without causing dependency or other side effects of sleeping pills.

Pain relief

There is proven evidence of cannabis helping in arthritis and joint pains. Instead of the prescribed medication which can have side effects in the long run, CBD can be used. Also, CBD is easier to use as it comes in the form of oils and creams too which can be applied to the site of pain or swelling without taking any oral ingestive medicine. Thereby, greatly reducing the side effects.

Replaces the use of Prescription Drugs

The use of prescription drugs which are generally given to treat diseases in the elderly, can cause some serious damage as the already weakened body due to ageing cannot handle the side effects like organ damage, liver damage etc. Instead of the use of these drugs, many of the diseases can be treated with the use of CBD.

HELPS WITH APPETITE ISSUES

One of the problems when dealing with seniors is the issue of appetite which gets highly lowered with increasing age. Eating healthy and nutritious food in the quantity which is needed on a daily basis is very necessary. If the food is not proper, there can be weight loss, tissue weakening and mental issues. CBD also has a stimulating effect on the appetite of the elderly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it can be said that there are many documented health benefits of CBD. Many researches are being conducted for the medicinal uses of CBD but all this should be used in moderation, needed doses as prescribed by your physician to avoid any ill-effects.

References

1. https://unsplash.com/@yannym?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText
2. https://unsplash.com/@yannym?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText
3. https://unsplash.com/s/photos/senior-citizens?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText
4. https://unsplash.com/s/photos/senior-citizens?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText
5. https://unsplash.com/@urban_farmacy?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText
6. https://unsplash.com/@urban_farmacy?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText
7. https://unsplash.com/s/photos/marijuana?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText
8. https://unsplash.com/s/photos/marijuana?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText

Introduction

Mental disorders refer to conditions in which patients exhibit altered behavior and thought processes, emotional instability and limited social capacity; different illnesses being presented with different combinations of symptoms. Psychotic disorders, of which schizophrenia is the most studied, are considered by the field of psychiatry to be one of the more severe forms of mental illness. (Radhakrishnan, Wilkinson and D’Souza, 2014). Schizophrenia, a heterogenous condition of which the etiology is unclear, is a psychotic disorder featuring ‘positive’ symptoms (such as hallucinations, delusions and loss of contact with reality), ‘negative’ symptoms (such as diminished social capacity, lack of energy and decreased motivation) and cognitive dysfunction (Khan et al., 2015). The fact that schizophrenic patients often struggle to live independently, the fact that management of the illness (including a range of anti-psychotic drugs) is plagued with numerous side-effects and has proven unable to rid patients of negative and cognitive symptoms, as well as the fact that schizophrenia causes increased mortality (Os and Kapur, 2009); all make the goal of prevention and identification of susceptible individuals crucial.

Through rigorous research some risk factors were identified as increasing the risk of the development of schizophrenia, many of which are not capable of modification; such as the male gender, positive family history of schizophrenia and genetic polymorphism (Picchioni and Murray, 2007). One potential factor that arose, and sparked much controversy, was the use of cannabis as a preventable risk factor for schizophrenia. Cannabis, a drug that until recently was considered illegal in most parts of the world, is nevertheless one of the most commonly used drugs in today’s society (Radhakrishnan, Wilkinson and D’Souza, 2014), especially among teenagers and young adults.

The topic of cannabis use, specifically during adolescence, and its connection to schizophrenia as an avertible risk factor will be related to the clinical history of a 25-year-old male acquaintance of mine, who for the sake of confidentiality will be referred to as “Patient X”. Since the age of 14, “Patient X” has admitted to smoking cannabis with his friend groups on an almost daily basis. He stated that he used to be “a social butterfly”, and thrived off social interaction, but noticed that skill diminish as he grew older. He struggled to maintain social connections and became distant from many of his friends. He detailed that he begun to experience hallucinations, which today he could recognize as the first stages of schizophrenia, but which at the time he attributed to stress and consequently ignored. At the age of 23 he was diagnosed with schizophrenia after attacking his father, because he suffered from the delusion that his father was “out to get him”. “Patient X” attributes his schizophrenia to his habit of cannabis use. By reviewing current literature, this report will explore the potential link between cannabis and schizophrenia.

Literature review

Cannabis, a highly popular recreational drug, is a plant composed of various cannabinoids; different regions containing different compositions. (Radhakrishnan, Wilkinson and D’Souza, 2014). Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main component of cannabis, has been shown to induce symptoms similar to those seen in schizophrenia, such as reduced cognitive capacity, decreased motivation and psychotic episodes (Volkow et al., 2016); and this has helped to place cannabis use under suspicion as a risk factor.

Various biological hypotheses were proposed to explain the relationship between cannabis use and schizophrenia. The first suggested that in the population there are certain people who were genetically susceptible to developing schizophrenia, and that cannabis use functioned as a trigger for the onset of the disease. Schizophrenia is hypothesized to be a disease of dopamine dysregulation (Khan et al., 2015); and so one of the genes that was studied was Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), an enzyme that participates in the breakdown of dopamine in the pre-frontal cortex (Radhakrishnan, Wilkinson and D’Souza, 2014). Various studies have found an association between polymorphisms of COMT (differing in their rate of enzymatic activity), cannabis use and the development of schizophrenia; however, these studies seem to disagree on which allele is implicated with the disease, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions. (Caspi et al., 2005; Costas et al., 2011).

Another biological plausibility that was considered was that cannabis use during adolescence disrupted normal brain development and thus induced schizophrenia. The endocannabinoid system appears to be involved in numerous neuro-developmental processes, which reach their peak at adolescence. The introduction of exogenous cannabis during this period may irreversibly affect these processes and lead to lasting neurological damage (Malone, Hill and Rubino, 2010; Volkow et al., 2016). One longitudinal study found a direct link between earlier cannabis use and decreased cognitive functioning (Fontes et al., 2011), which appears to support the theory that individuals are more vulnerable to the effects of cannabis during adolescence. Due to the fact that brain structure is often altered in patients suffering from schizophrenia (Khan et al., 2015), brain imaging was also used as a tool in multiple studies to assess the link between cannabis use and psychosis. The volume of the brain appears to be diminished in patients with schizophrenia (See Figure 1), and these studies demonstrated that adolescents who smoke cannabis exhibited a reduction in grey matter volume (Johnston et al., 2012) similar to those seen in schizophrenia. Furthermore, cannabis smoking teens exhibited an imbalanced cortical maturation (Epstein and Kumra, 2015) and alterations in the neural matrix (Gilman et al., 2014) when compared to their peers who did not use cannabis; findings that were mostly consistent to those found in schizophrenia patients. (Khan et al., 2015). These results seem to highlight the effects of cannabis on the developing brain and strengthen the association with the development of schizophrenia. Despite the fact that many studies support this theory, others seem to dispute it: one review found that the association between cannabis and altered brain morphology was weak and the temporal sequence (cannabis use prior to development of schizophrenia) could not be determined (Malchow et al., 2013), while another study found that after controlling for confounding factors (i.e. alcohol abuse and gender) there was no significant change in brain morphology between the study and control groups (Depue et al., 2015). This hypothesis, therefore, is yet to be confirmed.

Another theory which might explain the link between cannabis and schizophrenia is slightly different than those previously indicated; it is possible that patients who are in the first stages of schizophrenia (but are unaware of it) are more susceptible to cannabis use as a form of “self-medication”, meaning that it is schizophrenia which leads to higher cannabis use in adolescence rather than the other way around. One cohort study which seems to support this theory demonstrated that individuals who were at high genetic risk for schizophrenia were more prone to early cannabis abuse, but not to other substances like smoking and alcohol (Hiemstra et al., 2018). Yet, other studies refute this hypothesis by presenting an age dependent relationship between the onset of cannabis use and the onset of schizophrenia; smoking cannabis at an earlier age seemed to expedite the commencement of psychotic symptoms (Large et al., 2011; Ron et al., 2011; Dragt et al., 2012). These findings would suggest a unidirectional relationship between cannabis and schizophrenia, however they cannot rule out the “self-medication” theory entirely.

While many theories exist, which appear to be contradictory on the pathophysiology of the association between cannabis and psychotic disorders, one finding that is generally agreed is that there is a dose dependent relationship between these two factors. A 35-year cohort study found that chronic and heavy cannabis use increased the risk of schizophrenia by a significant margin (Manrique-Garcia et al., 2012) and several review articles have backed this claim (Radhakrishnan, Wilkinson and D’Souza, 2014; Khan et al., 2015; Marconi et al., 2016). A dose dependent relationship would also contribute to the notion that cannabis use is a causal and preventable risk factor for the development of schizophrenia and give merit to the idea of limiting access to it, especially for adolescents, as a measure of prevention.

Discussion

“Patient X” was diagnosed with schizophrenia at the age of 23 because his symptoms, that included delusions of persecution, auditory hallucinations and social withdrawal, were compatible with how medicine defines schizophrenia today. However, the truth is that schizophrenia is very poorly understood and unclearly defined. While it is considered a mental illness, it has many physical symptoms: such as increased mortality rates at younger ages (Os and Kapur, 2009) and reduced grey matter volumes (as seen in neuroimaging) (Khan et al., 2015). Furthermore, while is it is generally accepted that abnormal dopamine synthesis is associated with the disease (Khan et al., 2015), it is unknown how exactly this may cause the symptoms associated with schizophrenia. Some people have psychotic episodes and heal completely, while others do not. (Os and Kapur, 2009). Bearing that in mind, it is very difficult for research to move forward and identify risk factors for the disease when there is still considerable uncertainty regarding the definition of the disease itself. Research attempting to understand the underlying pathophysiology of schizophrenia is sparse, and accordingly it may be advisable for future research to focus on this goal specifically.

Cannabis use and its link to the development of schizophrenia have been studied extensively. Some studies suggest that in patients who are genetically susceptible to schizophrenia, cannabis use may act as a trigger for the onset of the disease. Susceptibility is often determined through family history of mental illness, specifically of psychotic diseases. “Patient X” has no family history of psychosis he could mention. He did mention he had an aunt who suffered from depression, but he was unable to clarify whether she had self-diagnosed herself or if she had been diagnosed by a professional, and I therefore chose to disregard this detail. Regardless, based on family history alone it is unlikely that Patient X was susceptible to schizophrenia and that it was his use of cannabis that had instigated the illness. Nonetheless, genetic mutation may occur randomly and therefore it is difficult to determine whether this is true for “Patient X”.

“Patient X” however firmly believes that his chronic cannabis use is the direct cause for the development of his illness. Research suggests that his belief may have some merit. The available literature seems to support the theory that a dose dependent relationship exists between the level of cannabis use and the development of psychosis disorders (Manrique-Garcia et al., 2012; Radhakrishnan, Wilkinson and D’Souza, 2014; Khan et al., 2015; Marconi et al., 2016). This means that heavier, more frequent use of cannabis is often associated with earlier progression and deteriorating prognosis. “Patient X” admits to almost daily marijuana use over a period of at least 9 years, and this could – according to available data – be linked to his condition. However, it is important to mention that available research often did not address certain confounders. For example: Manrique-Garcia et al (2012) used military conscripts for their study population, but the military is a framework which is associated with periods of severe stress which could in and of themselves directly affect the risk of schizophrenia. Accordingly, while it is possible that “Patient X”’s heavy cannabis use is associated with the disease, it is important to take this association at no more than face value.

The age of cannabis use may also play a significant role in its association to psychosis. “Patient X” begun smoking marijuana at 14 years of age, meaning he was undergoing puberty. Research suggests that adolescence is a period in a person’s life that is associated with many neurological changes (Malone, Hill and Rubino, 2010), and that the process of these changes could have been disrupted or altered due to cannabis use, resulting in brain volume irregularities. This type of brain alteration could only be viewed through neuroimaging, which unfortunately has never been performed on “Patient X”. If, hypothetically, his neuroimaging was to show changes related to schizophrenia – such as the thinning of grey matter – then that would not in itself be sufficient to prove or disprove this theory; firstly, because other studies have shown the relationship between cannabis use and brain volume alterations to be weak to non-existent, and secondly, because “Patient X” has already gone through puberty and has schizophrenia and so it would be impossible to discern whether these changes resulted from the cannabis use in adolescence or from the disease itself. Therefore, while this theory is potentially persuasive, there is unfortunately a paucity of evidence required to support it, and in any event not in “Patient X’s” case specifically.

A few studies suggest that cannabis using teens, who are either in high risk for developing schizophrenia or in the early phases of the disease, use cannabis specifically as a form of self-medicating. “Patient X” contested this theory and argued that the primary cause for his drug use was peer pressure, and that he only smoked the drug in order to be “a part of the gang”. While he did find the effects of smoking cannabis enjoyable, he did not feel he that he needed to smoke. While there is some evidence to support “Patient X”’s conclusion, there are others who dispute it. It is generally unclear whether cannabis use is the cause of schizophrenia or vice versa, and it is impossible to reach a conclusion today based on “Patient X”’s history alone. “Patient X”’s cannabis abuse seems to have occurred prior to his condition manifesting itself, but it is very possible that he was in the early stages of the disease and was as yet unaware of the fact.

Conclusion

Schizophrenia is a multifactorial disease that is still largely mis-understood. It is defined today as a specific combination of symptoms: positive symptoms, negative symptoms and cognitive symptoms, which may vary from case to case. While there have been many studies performed to try and deduce risk factors and identify susceptible individuals, there do not seem to be any conclusive answers on the topic. By reviewing the relevant literature, both current and historical, this report has attempted to overview the link between cannabis use and schizophrenia and to identify a mechanism by which this association may exist. While various mechanisms were suggested, studies often contradicted each other. This report related this information to “Patient X” and attempted to understand whether there is a credible connection between his heavy cannabis use and his schizophrenic condition. While studies do seem to suggest an association between cannabis use and the development of schizophrenia, there is clearly insufficient information available today to establish it as a fact. More research is obviously required on this topic if definitive conclusions are to be reached.

OVERVIEW

The topic we chose for this term project is “Effects of Legalization of Marijuana on the Canadian Economy”. It is a recent topic of discussion in Canadian news and it is an Important one because Canadian Community has large number of marijuana users who are in favour of this decision while some are against it. Marijuana, also known as Weed, Pot, Kush.Our purpose is to look on positive and negative sides that this legalization has brought to Canadian business community. If go over pros then, Marijuana legalization will be beneficial for Canadian economy by increase of tax revenue and erasing black markets income. Canada will attract foreign visitors as they can smoke in weed legal environment and it will be helpful for other Canadian markets as well. Also, it will create employment opportunities for production of work. If we look on the other side, marijuana users can put road safety at risk. They can suffer from many harmful diseases. It may put younger children, pregnant women at higher risk, if they started using it by thinking that it might be okay to use because government made it legal. As we through our paper, we will have a detailed look over these aspects and we will be concluding if this legalization is beneficial or not.

Research and Analysis

In 1923, the government declared that it is illegal to use marijuana for personal use, it was only allowed to use for medical purpose. In a survey done by Community Health Survey-Mental Health (CCHS- MH) in 2012, it had been found that nearly 43 percent of Canadian population are marijuana users. It was a big topic of debate whether to legalize this drug or not, because there were many international barriers that the Canadian government must overcome in order legalize marijuana. Legalization of the drug would propose that the use would be legal for adults 19 and above. On October 17th 2018, prime Minister, Justin Trudeau and the Supreme Court of Canada Legalized the drug to the public and Canada became the second country to legalize marijuana. In this process they put laws in place that will allow a person to have 1 ounce (28 Grams) for personal use only. The re-selling of marijuana is a criminal offence and can end you up with a hefty fine or even jail time.

Marijuana can affect the economy in a positive way by increase tax revenue and potentially diminishing the black markets income from the substance. With such a high demand for recreational use, the government saw it as an opportunity similar to the legalization of alcohol. Since the cost of marijuana is low it offered more room for the government to put a higher tax rate on the drug while keeping a competitive rate. Legalization would boost the economy by creating employment opportunities such as, growing and maintaining, packaging and transporting, sales and managing positions etc. From a study done by “Stephen t Easton (2004)” showed the retail price of a marijuana cigarette would be $8.60 while the production price would $1.50, giving a profit margin of $7.10. Legalization would potentially lower crime rate, and lower the amount of taxpayers money used towards law enforcement and jail facilities. Considering the deficit ($1.3 billion) Canada was and currently is in, if Canada legalized the drug back in 2012 we would be at a surplus of $2.7 billion.

Canadians value the healthcare system but it is costly to run. The annual health expenditures are $5,614 per person, tax revenues from legalization could be used optimally to cover 356,252 Canadians. An example of how much tax revenue Canadians have been wasting, we will show you a statistic on how legalization would lower the amount of criminal activity, lower taxes used towards jailing facilities and law enforcement and could be used optimally towards Canadian healthcare. Out of approximately 113,100 crimes reported, nearly 60 percent were related to cannabis operations and possessions. The provincial and federal government planned to make taxes low on marijuana, which would be 10 percent of the seller’s price and decided that out of sales revenues of 100 million they would take 25 percent leaving the remainder to the provinces department of finance. With the decision to legalize marijuana came a lot of unforeseen negatives that have affected the economy. The Canadian government has been struggling to create laws for the new policy changes and have also done a poor job of discussing whether or not the suppliers would be able to produce enough product for the demands of our country. It is estimated there will be a shortage of approximately 380 tons, $2.5 billion worth, during the first year of legalization.

Our research has shown that both pricing and supply shortages will contribute to keeping the black market in business and the levels being produced will only meet 30 to 60 percent of the demand Due to product shortages, variations, and not reaching the demands of public consumers, consumers will revert back to the black market for service. With the estimated shortages the government will only gain 800 million in revenue after the first year versus the original 2 billion estimated. With the legalization of marijuana, an illegal market still existed due to informal networks of friends, family and trusted sources. Canada alone has an illegal market of $7 billion The Canadian government has struggled gaining illegal vendors customers loyalty. These distributors can be found by the public easily through “weedmaps.com”. Weedmaps.com showed consumers in Toronto and Vancouver, vendors closest to their location. Users have the ability to look over reviews of each strain showing things such as, THC content, what kind of high they will have, more variety products such as Shatter, Dabs, Butter, Edibles, THC pills, and THC candies.

Due to the variety and how convenient this is for a customer, it takes away a chunk of consumers from the legal market. Now that we have discussed the effects of shortages and criminal activity we move on to discuss the health effects. There are less than 33 carcinogens in marijuana, like tobacco smoke, is a bunch of particles mixed in a gas-vapour. Both cigarettes and marijuana have comparable toxins such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide cyanide and benzenes which have shown to lead to different cancers and reproductive issues. Studies found that cannabis use was associated with cancers of the lungs, head and neck, bladder, brain, and testis. Smoking cannabis has also been reported to cause chronic bronchitis, respiratory issues, inflammation of the large airways, and increase airway resistance. With knowing all of these health impacts legalization will increase the influx of hospital visits therefore causing a demand for more doctors and nurses creating a demand for more tax dollars being used towards healthcare. It will put young people at higher risk of using it and will cause harm to pregnant women, if they started using it by thinking that it will be safe to consume marijuana as government declared it legalize. It will put road safety at higher risk as well.

Conclusion

Hammering the final nail, we would like to reiterate that, marijuana in general context from economical point of view is rather advantageous on various aspects, briefing as, considerable surge in tax accumulation by the Canadian regimes, along with enormous incline in employment opportunities. While, the opposite picture displays high rate of inferior health quality which could bring in long-term hazardous circumstances, significantly lowering the calibre of human resources. Regarding the above-mentioned data, it is critically vivid that if the government keep in scrutiny, the few and short-term benefits of legalization of marijuana, it could hit the pinnacles of billions for the country and could help in sweeping off the smuggling and black business of this ‘devil’s lettuce’ to some extent. But from realistic, pragmatic and long-term approach it is an open invitation to push the country youth in drug addiction and squeezing the worth of human resources. The psychological problems will, inevitably, become a repercussion of cannabis consumption which would make youngsters dependent on its more and more intake. Not only this, cancer, cardiac and respiratory problems and other like diseases are expected to become common. Irrefutably, this would magnetise the tourists with the comfort of marijuana consumption in legally-permitted country, but it would be less worthwhile if it created other drug-related crimes in the rather peaceful Canadian society, which we think is unavoidable. Hence, it is finally imposed upon, that legalisation of marijuana has darker side which is likely to come up in future. Apart from this, focusing on mere short-term benefits has also made Canada a victim for becoming incompatible with UN’s international drug treaties. The world considered it a flouting act towards UN conventions. They emphasize on the assertion that why Canada did not left the three treaties beforehand and decided to quit them on short note. This recreational marijuana legalisation has also made the loss of faith in government’s words and their social credit has also decreased in the eyes of the world.

Bibliography

1. Ducatti Flister, Larissa. 2012. “The Economic Case for Marijuana Legalization in Canada.” Journal of Alternative Perspectives in the Social Sciences 5 (1): 96–100. https://login.ezproxy.langara.bc.ca/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=85222350&site=ehost-live score=site.
2. fSchwartz, Robert. 2018. the Washington Post : Democracy dies in Darkness. october 16. Accessed march 16, 2019. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/global-opinions/wp/2018/10/16/without-proper-health-precautions-canadas-pot-legalization-could-go-up-in-smoke/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.de562acd1ecb
3. Hajizadeh, Mohammad. ‘Legalizing and Regulating Marijuana in Canada: Review of Potential Economic, Social, and Health Impacts.’ International Journal of Health Policy and Management 5, no. 8 (2016): 453-56. doi:10.15171/ijhpm.2016.63.
4. Hoffman, Steven J.,J.D.PhD. and Roojin Habibi M.Sc. ‘International Legal Barriers to Canada’s Marijuana Plans.’ Canadian Medical Association.Journal 188, no. 10 (Jul 12, 2016): E215-E216. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1503. https://login.ezproxy.langara.bc.ca/login?url=https://search.proquest.com/docview/1804120253?accountid=37673.
5. Paul, Braedon R. 2018. “Cannabis in Canada: What the Upcoming Legalization of One of Canada’s Most Popular Drugs Means for Young People.” UBC Medical Journal 9 (2): 40–41. https://login.ezproxy.langara.bc.ca/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=128404257&site=ehost-live&scope=site.
6. Payne, Elizabeth. ‘Pot and Pregnancy.’ The Ottawa Citizen, June 20, 2017. https://login.ezproxy.langara.bc.ca/login?url=https://search.proquest.com/docview/1911588459?accountid=37673.
7. Rumball, Chris. “Driving Stoned: Marijuana Legalization and Drug-Impaired Driving.” British Columbia Medical Journal 58, no. 8 (October 2016): 477–78. https://login.ezproxy.langara.bc.ca/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=118564563&site=ehost-live&scope=site.
8. Schwartz, Robert. “Legalize Marijuana without the Smoke.” CMAJ: Canadian Medical Association Journal = Journal De L’association Medicale Canadienne 189, no. 4 (January 30, 2017): E137–38. doi:10.1503/cmaj.161203.
9. Sen, Anindya and Rosalie Wyonch. ‘Cannabis Countdown: Estimating the Size of Illegal Markets and Lost Tax Revenue Post-Legalization.’ Commentary – C.D.Howe Institute no. 523 (10, 2018): 0_1,0_2,25. https://login.ezproxy.langara.bc.ca/login?url=https://search.proquest.com/docview/2138498190?accountid=37673.
10. Valvur, Andy. 2018. UN drugs board slams Canada cannabis legalization. october 17. Accessed march 15, 2019. https://www.dw.com/en/un-drugs-board-slams-canada-cannabis-legalization/a-45932578.

We live in a country that allows us to have a lot of freedom such as freedom of speech, freedom to bear arms, freedom of religion, freedom of assembly, freedom of press, and freedom to petition of the government. We have a lot of rights and I believe we should also give the people the right to consume marijuana for severals reasons. It helps ill people for medical reasons, economical reasons, reduce in criminal activity, our rights and our health.

The consumption of marijuana has multiple health effects, for example, it helps a lot with pain, especially with chronic pain. I’ve read so many articles on people’s experiences with CBD and THC. Marijuana have cannabis compounds that are called cannabinoids, and cannabinoids contain two main organic compounds which is THC and CBD. CBD is the organic compound that allows the body to be numb for any kind of pain. THC is the compound that allows the body to have a body high and a mind high at the same time. My mom has been going through severe pain for years and has gone through many surgeries and medication and none of that still hasn’t succeeded to help her get through the pain. It’s horrible seeing your mother go through pain everyday and seeing her breakdown half the time. Being on too much medication could be bad for your body. Pills that doctors prescribe are called opiates which are addictive and harmful for the human body, unlike marijuana which does help you for the pain and doesn’t have a bad outcome. If only marijuana was legalized here then maybe that could be a solution to her pain.

Marijuana should be legalized not only for the health effects but for the economical reasons as well. As we all know there are twelve states that have fully legalized marijuana and for those states the tax revenues have skyrocketed. For example, Colorado gained a little over more than 135 million dollars in taxes just from medical and recreational marijuana. So many of our state’s financial problems could be solved if the legalization for marijuana was to occur. With Texas financial hole, legalizing marijuana could pay off the debts we have and could give our economy a big leap towards state economics. Not only could marijuana boost our state with big amounts of money , but also create jobs and maybe give the Texas citizens free medical healthcare. Just imagine more jobs being created and how fast the industry will grow.

Since marijuana is not legalized in Texas, most people smoke marijuana illegally for different reasons. Some smoke it to calm themselves, medical reason, anxiety, and many other causes. A lot of people get caught with the drug and get arrested and sent to prison which costs more money for citizens to pay for taxes. Legalizing marijuana reduces our prisons population and cops could have better things to do than busting people for it. Us citizens already have to pay so much for taxes and other priorities and its a headache to have to pay because of criminalization. In the past, Texas has spent billions of dollars to prosecute laws to marijuana when we could be smart enough to spend it on better things such as schools, roads, or anything in that sense. Some people act out in violence which could turn into deaths because they rob others or hurt others to try to get marijuana without paying the seller which obviously leads to bad things. If it was legalized in Texas and they were sold at businesses making it easier for people to buy then there is a possibility that there would be less deaths and violence. Some people would say that marijuana is dangerous but in reality it’s actually harmless. Believe it or not, marijuana has never lead to an overdose. In some studies, it shows that tobacco and alcohol are more harmful than compared to marijuana. Marijuana stayed at a low death rate year after year when it came mortality unlike tobacco and alcohol which were at high rates with deaths. Those people are the ones who only heard of bad stories from others or think its bad because its an illegal drug in our state of Texas. In the article of drugabuse.com stated, “A study on marijuana use and intimate partner violence found that couples who used marijuana had lower rates of intimate partner violence in the first 9 years of marriage. In fact, men who used marijuana were the least likely to commit an act of intimate partner violence against a spouse.” That’s why some people want to use marijuana to keep them calm when they are at their worst. It’s a relaxing drug that’s been proven to help thousands and thousands of people. Some people just don’t understand the help marijuana could give to others.

We live in the United States where we have so much freedom and rights we are granted. We live our life with liberty and the pursuit of happiness, therefore we should respect everyone’s choices if they choose to smoke or not. We shouldn’t live in a world that’s all about control but about living life freely, happy and responsibly. If people choose to smoke marijuana then they should have the choice to. It’s the right thing to do and we should at least give it a try. Texas, it’s time for a change. For example, Colorado is doing really well and has made a large amount of money that has opened up many more jobs so why can’t we follow their example and legalize it? If smoking marijuana helps people with pain and relax in other circumstances, then why bother with drinking which could cause fatalities or smoking cigarettes that could develop lung disease. Everyone is different and some may like to relax in that way than others and we shouldn’t hold that back from them.

Marijuana helps a lot of things that you probably didn’t even know, it helps with things such as anxiety, depression, migraines, seizures, pain, cancer and cancer. I have really bad anxiety and I dislike it because it’s such a bad feeling to feel. Anxiety is defined as feeling unease or nervousness and marijuana is a solution to that problem that could calm your nerves. Depression is defined as feeling unhappy or hopeless and marijuana could help by making you relaxed and not think so much negative thoughts that’s in their head. It could help with migraines because it helps ease away the pain. There’s been some studies that showed how marijuana reduced the amount of seizures or completely gone. We all know that cancer is a huge problem today and there’s no cure for it. In the article of American Cancer Society stated, “A number of small studies of smoked marijuana found that it can be helpful in treating nausea and vomiting from cancer chemotherapy…scientists reported that THC and other cannabinoids such as CBD slow growth and/or cause death in certain types of cancer cells growing in lab dishes..the studies so far have shown that cannabinoids can be safe in treating cancer.”

That’s why I think we should legalized marijuana in Texas for those many reasons such as, for medical use, economical reasons, reduce in criminal activity, and our rights. Marijuana could have a big impact on our economy. Not only will it make citizens happy but also the government for the money they will receive by marijuana. With that being said, mostly everyone will be happier with that decision and things will be better with the high violence that goes on today.

Legalization of Marijuana

Throughout the years, marijuana is more common among high school students. In 1999, only twelve percent of high schoolers were found to use ow, over fifty percent are found to use marijuana daily. Even, one in every six students who start using marijuana are more likely to become addicted. Since the rate of use among teens has increase over the years, the rate of crime in teens has become an issue as well. As the rate of marijuana use rises, so does the crime rates in states, some consist of drug trafficking, trespassing, theft, and could lead to assaults because of these. Marijuana, a psychoactive drug , is used for medical and recreation purposes. However, tetrahydrocannabinol called THC is the chemical which creates the high effect people want, causing them to become addicted.

Medical Marijuana virus Recreational Marijuana

Medical marijuana legalization is determined in certain states. The Drug Policy Alliance is committed to legalizing marijuana at the state and federal levels and improving medical marijuana programs to better protect patients’ rights and access to medicine. For those ill, medical marijuana is the only medicine that relieves their pain and suffering. Medical marijuana also helps their illnesses without many side effects.

While some states have medical marijuana legalized, some states have both medical and recreational marijuana legalized. Recreational marijuana is the use of marijuana without the need of a medical card. Although it might be legal without a car, there are a few laws such as the age to use marijuana legal being 21.

Marijuana and the effects among teens

Marijuana is the most common drug used by minors in the United States. According to the Monitoring the Future survey in 2008, 15 percent of eighth graders have used marijuana, while 30 percent of tenth graders and 50 percent of twelfth graders have attempted marijuana.

Drug abuse by teens has become a serious problem in the United States. Since 1999, the rates of teens using marijuana has grown significant. According to FBI statistics, more than 1.9 million teens have been arrested for drug abuse (juvenile drug abuse Gale, 1). This is causes from drug trafficking which has surprisingly declined due to the fact it is not seen often. Although, the arrest rates for drug possession continues to rise. Reducing this rate of drug abuse among teens is a top government priority.

Addiction is a growing rate that has been acknowledged as an issue for teens. Addiction becomes a problem because “drugs flood the brain with high levels of chemicals associated with pleasure or euphoria, particularly dopamine” (juvenile drug abuse Gale, 1). Euphoria and pleasure teens are attracted to in marijuana. Euphoria is a high that comes from THC. Euphoria is an unrealistic feeling of emotions and physical being. Teens crave this because it gets them away from reality for a short period. Although, those who are used to this and have been using awhile can take control of this feeling and cause them to become addicted. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter, that is responsible for transmitting signals to the brain nerves. Only a few neurons make dopamine causing those who use marijuana are exposed to a higher risk of depression, lack of sleep or too much sleep, mood change, memory dysfunction, and attention loss.

Since the brain doesn’t fully mature until the later twenties, teenagers are vulnerable to addiction (juvenile drug abuse Gale, 2). Being since a teens brain is craving new experiences, this strongly affects them. Health specialist believe that addiction is much more likely to occur when drug abuse starts early. When you use drugs, such as marijuana, the high is more intense and much more addictive. The longer teens wait for the experience of drugs, the less addictive they could become.

According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy, long term use of marijuana can increase the risk of lung cancer and other diseases associated with tobacco smoking. Marijuana use is also dangerous for short term memory, contributing problems with academic achievements, and can lead to physical addiction. In addition, Marijuana use can lead to more addictive drugs causing harm to teens.

Marijuana effects among adults

Marijuana isn’t just a drug common for teens, Adults are also attracted to the drug. As of today, twelve states are fully legalized, nine states are medical and decriminalized, eleven states are for medical use only, three states are decriminalized only, and sixteen states are fully illegal. While in 2016, 58 percent of adults surveyed that marijuana use should be legal, doubling the rate since 1995.

According to the National Survey of Drug Use and Health, between 2002 and 2014 the rate of adults between the age of fifty and sixty-four increased from 3 percent to 9 percent. Among adults sixty- five and older increased from .2 percent to 2 percent. Younger adults are also increasing, from 2014 survey ages between thirty-five and forty-nine their percent was 11.6. From the age twenty-six and thirty-four, adults averaged 20 percent. While not surprising ages eighteen to twenty-five had the highest percent with 32 percent. Overall of course the younger adults will have the higher rates, although they began to climb up the age scale.

Two out of three older adults have multiple chronic health conditions such as, hearing impairment, slowed reaction time, cognitive decline, vision changes, and balance changes. Along with these changes older adults have arthritis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and more likely to have cancer. A rising number of older adults are shown to turn to marijuana for medical and recreation purposes (Cannabis use by older adults, 1). Marijuana contains, carbon monoxide and tar having the same effect as tobacco users. This is linked to airway injury and chronic bronchitis for older adults. Marijuana intakes also cause an increase in heart rate with a lesser increase in cardiac output and weaken one’s blood pressure.

According to Mayo clinic, marijuana may interfere with several prescriptions commonly prescribed to older adults. Marijuana affects the “liver’s cytochrome P450 enzyme system”, which determines how certain drugs and supplements are supposed to function (Cannabis use by older adults, 1). Common over the counter pain killers commonly used by older adults put them at further risk of bleeding when taking them. Along with blood thinning, marijuana may affect blood sugar levels as well. It may be necessary to adjust dose amounts of certain medication for those who had diabetes. Blood pressure is also affected by the intake of marijuana for older adults causing them to take caution with their supplements and prescriptions while obtaining marijuana.

Memory loss is a major factor among older adults. Just as in teens and younger adults, older adults are shown an increase when taken. For older adults that already are affected by age related cognitive decline, marijuana can “interfere with optimal adherence to medication regimens, influence of the risk of accidents in the home, or affect decision making around driving under the influence”, causing marijuana intakes more hazardous within older adults (Cannabis use by older adults, 3).

Comparisons of Marijuana with Other Drugs

Marijuana is classified as a schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act od 1970, along with Heroin, LSD, and Ecstasy. A schedule I substance is declared as a highly addictive drug. From physical harm, risk of dependency, and social coast heroin is the number one drug on this list last being marijuana. In the UK they claim the ABC system, although the system does not give specific information about the drug risks. Class A is considered they’re most harmful category. This category includes heroin, LSD, crystal meth, cocaine, ecstasy, along with magic mushrooms. Class A/B contains amphetamines, while class C contains Marijuana and ketamine.

According to Medical News Today, in 2010 Lee Huizenga states marijuana is .99/3 for Physical harm, meaning acute, chronic, and intravenous. Risk of dependency is a /3, described as pleasure, physical dependence, and psychological dependence. Finally, marijuana is 1.5/3 in social costs, for health care coasts, social harm, and intoxication.

Economic Effects

A main topic of debate in marijuana legalizations is the effect of marijuana prohibition with the budgets of the government. Prohibition includes direct enforcement coast. Meaning, if marijuana became legal in multiple states, the enforcement cost will become zero, and the government could impose taxes of the production and sale of marijuana. This would cause the government disbursement to decline, and the tax revenue would increase. This would also cause a net saving in resources as well. This could be a positive thing, because these funds could be used for something else.

In a legalized marijuana state, all crime and other penalties against “production, distribution, sale, and possession would cease.” (Jeffrey, 6). The policy could impose marijuana regulations and taxes, just like we see with alcohol and tobacco today. Now, marijuana would be produced and distributed in a legal market, unlike before how it would be driven “underground”.

Marijuana policy would change dramatically from today in New Mexico. The government would save on resources that they devote to arresting, prosecuting, and incarcerating marijuana holders. Once again, with this we would have the ability to use this towards other resources we could not afford before. The production would have tax rates applied just like alcohol and tobacco, although the rate may be higher due to the demand of the product.

The Miron research in 2006 shows that marijuana legalization would reduce government disbursement by $8 billion annually. Approximately $5.5 billion of this would come from decreased state and local disbursement, while $2.5 would come from federal disbursement. At the state and local levels, the reduction of disbursement consists of $1.8 billion less spent on police. Roughly about $3.2 billion spent less on prosecutions, while another half billion less on incarcerations. Marijuana legalization would generate tax revenue of approximately $2.4 billion annually of marijuana were taxed the same rate as other goods. If marijuana were taxed the same as tobacco and alcohol, states would gain $6.2 billion annually.

However, tax rates could be higher for marijuana than other goods. Although, it is very critical that these rates aren’t too high that marijuana markets return “underground”. The revenue goal for legalized marijuana market should be moderate, meaning no more expensive than alcohol or tobacco. High tax rates have many of the same negatives as prohibition, such as penalizing marijuana revenues, or justifying legation by its high tax rates.

Under prohibition no taxations happen, although consumer pay higher prices to producers. The distributional consequence of legalization is to redistribute wealth from people who choose to violate the law, such as producing, distributing, and buying under prohibition. One aspect of legalization highlights the increase in tax revenues claim that “underground” marijuana distribution would remain underground even if legalized. For example, when alcohol was under prohibition then legalized, the demand increased. Commercial production is more efficient, and people want a long-term reliable supplier.

Prohibition does not eliminate the marijuana trafficking, but instead prohibition creates a underground market. Prohibition affects the demand for marijuana in several ways. Prohibition may reduce the demand if some users obey the law. The evidence suggests no major impact given that penalties are rarely Implied and should be held to a higher standard. The penalties for marijuana purchase or possession might reduce the demand by raising the price of marijuana use.

Prohibition also affects the supply of marijuana. This is because the underground production suppliers operate in “secret” and attempt to avoid detection by law enforcement. They face a higher increase costs of production and trafficking. Operating underground, suppliers have low marginal costs of evading tax laws and regulatory policies, offsetting the increased cost of operating secretly. The underground and legal stores and differences between their ambiguous interfaces for supply costs under prohibition various legalization.

Prohibition reduces the rate of marijuana use since the direct effects of both supply and demand suggest a different outcome. Counties with weakly virus strongly imposed prohibition have little evidence of higher marijuana usage in the weak enforced counties. This shows evidence does not rule out the possibility that marijuana use might increase under legalization, although we have no evidence to prove this. Overall, the reduction of marijuana consumption caused by prohibition is a cost rather than a benefit.

The government spending utilized in the attempt to enforce marijuana prohibition is an unambiguous cost of prohibition relative to legalization. Prohibition has a host of unintended negative effects that should receive at least as much reducing the marijuana policy. Prohibition reduces who can and cannot use marijuana with attempt to harm as little as possible, weather they use for medical or recreational. This is very critical for the effect of marijuana legalization.

Collecting reliable information on taxable activity is essential to curbing tax evasion. Stopping distributors from evading marijuana tax, states must gather the distributors incentives to pay. Thousands of suppliers now compete in the marijuana market, while the fereal ban will consolidate legalization of marijuana.

Crime Rate

The medical marijuana laws can lead to long term increases in crime as it could continue to grow. Even if the medical marijuana laws maintain the same rate or decrease of usage, the laws could stimulate crime as newly opened medical dispensaries provide criminals with high quality marijuana, with customers carrying large amounts of cash. Numerous studies have examined relationships between marijuana use and crimes. They compare the amount of crimes committed by juveniles whose urine tested positive for marijuana while whose who have tested negative for marijuana while entering the detention center. They have found a significant crime committed from those positive from those negative.

A similar research shows a frequent marijuana use frequent marijuana use among teens, being a strong predictor of intimate partner violence. These results revealed a constant marijuana use among teens increasing 108 percent increase, while 85 percent of that being and increase of intimate partner violence. Other studies show no evidence that marijuana use was related to an increase in later non- drug arrest, such as arrests for violent crimes. Studiers argue that the association between marijuana use and crime appear to exist because its illegal. Thus meaning, if marijuana was legal the relationship between marijuana and crime would disappear.

It is also argued that medical marijuana laws increase the rate of crime to happen. This is because the dispensaries and grow houses provide an opportunity for property crime, violent crim to occur, such as robbery. Additional research has shown that medical marijuana dispensaries may reduce crime within the immediate the area around the dispensaries. This may be caused by the amount of security and precautions they must take. Marijuana is used for recreational and medical purposes, increasing the rate of usage every year. Marijuana is a highly addictive drug attracted by teens more and more, younger and younger. As the rate of new users and common users begins to grow the rates of crime also began to climb the scale. As marijuana is continued to be debated within our country, make sure you obey the laws, and they will do good to you.